It’s the perfect time for new adventures and we have some New Year travel resolutions that you might want for yourself.
Travelling can give you the release you want from the staleness of every day life. And while it can be costly, it is one of the best investments you can ever make in your life. Remember, spend on experience, not things! Okay, so here we go!
Travel with someone you want to know better
Travel brings out the best (and worst) in people. If you really want to know someone better, travel with them! Going out steadily with someone? Plan a trip with him/her. Your son is entering a new phase and you want to spend quality time with him? Plan a trip with your unico hijo!
It is best to know the place you are going to minimize stress. However, if you are both adventurous then you can go somewhere the both of you have never been to. Travelling together allows you to bond better and it gives you a better, pretension-free peek of a person’s character.
Travel on your own
Always travelled with a companion before? 2018 can be the year to finally try going at it solo! Solo travel is a unique experience and while there are some risks involved (getting bored in the middle of the trip), there are huge rewards.
Solo travel gives you a different perspective on things, forces you to try new ways of doing things, it can also free lots of time for actual adventures as your schedule is your own. The important thing here is to pace your itinerary and to plan ahead the next day – to make sure there are no long downtimes.
Plan your travels ahead of time
If last year your travel calendar was full of spontaneous (and costly) trips, 2018 is the best year to try well planned travels through the next 10 months. Plot it all out in your calendar, secure cheap flights to your destinations, and research in advance the places you want to go while booking hotels ahead of time. Nothing beats a well planned trip! Also plan trips with different travel companions, something new to try this year if you are used to going somewhere with a regular travel buddy – you know, for some variation.
And because you saved money on your plane tickets and hotel room, you can go to more destinations. That’s more adventures for you!
These travel resolutions can add color and something new to your trips this 2018. Trying something different is a good way to put a fresh spin on your travel experience. Make this year more memorable!
Travelling solo is fun, although it has its own pro’s and con’s. But in its entirety, travelling solo has more good than bad. One key advantage of travelling alone is that you only answer to yourself. You eat what you want and you do what you want, where you want, when you want. You do not have to think of your companion – is she really okay if we call it a day because my feet feel sore? Is she hungry already because I’m starving? Is she sure the hotel room is good enough because for me it’s perfect?
These questions can easily get your focus away from your trip and into the welfare and convenience of your travel companion and that can easily ruin the whole vacation. Travelling solo however would mean higher costs – you have no one to split the expense of the hotel, the food, the taxi, and etc.
But should you do it? Heck yes! Here are our pointers that can make the whole solo adventure more enjoyable.
Travel during peak season
Counter intuitive advice but it makes a lot of sense when you travel alone. The most obvious downside is the higher cost of everything. But even that has a solution: you plan your trip way in advance. Plan it out early, book your flight and hotel months before you actually go and do it. That should already save you some money.
So why travel in peak season? Simple – you will have no shortage of people to engage with on the road. One of the biggest fears of first time solo travellers is getting lonely in the middle of the trip. But with a lot of people in hotels, restaurants and tourist destinations you are always guaranteed a lot of company. That translates to plenty of opportunities to start a conversation, even finding someone to share dinner with.
Take public transportation
Many go for convenience and choose to take taxi cabs to get anywhere in the city. If you really want to have fun, choose public transportation instead. Ride the bus, jeepney, or tricycles. It’s fun just having that local vibe in your trip plus you get more chance to meet people and actually talk to them. Do not be afraid to talk to locals, in fact that should be your goal. Locals can give great tips where to go and when, not to mention great places to eat at an affordable price.
Meet people
This simply means initiate conversations with people. Do not alienate yourself, get into the mix, talk, learn, and be carefree with your interactions. Remember that one of the most important fun factors in any trip is meeting new people and building good relationship with them.
Plan your day in advance
The reason why many solo travellers get lonely is that they allow themselves to run out of things to do. When you allow yourself to sit and wonder what you should do next, more often than not, the thought that comes to mind is how stupid you are in taking the trip alone. Take your journal with you and list down what comes to mind as you enjoy the sights and sounds of the city – note the things you might want to explore more (so that you get back to it some other time). Also write down the recommendations of locals as you talk to them so that you do not run short of to-do’s while in your trip.
There you have it, 4 simple pointers that should make your solo trip amazingly fun. There is a different dimension to enjoying a city on your own, something that you really can’t have when travelling alone. Make it a goal to truly experience that “dimension”. Have fun!
Vacations are not fun by default. Seasoned travelers can always identify better trips and can single out their worst adventures. So if you are planning to go on a vacation of your own you need to do it right and steer clear from the most common blunders of leisure travel. Heed these pointers.
Start with a solid plan
There is certain charm of going on a spontaneous adventure but more often than not this can lead to problems that can easily break your trip. So always have a plan before you go. Where are you staying? Are you already booked? What about your flight details and airport transfer? Is your tour package all set? Do you where you are going? Are you packed according to your destinations? These questions are very basic but it can make all the difference.
The more details you cover, the better your trip will turn out. It means you have more time to focus on the fun side than addressing logistical concerns. All you have to do is just let things unfold. Of course there will still be problems along the way but these would be easier to deal with than starting blind and unprepared.
Get psychologically ready
This is one of the most overlooked parts of taking a vacation. Many go on a dreamy trip only to have their minds thinking about work problems, worrying about imagined fears, doubting the plan, and minding the small stuff, the negative vibes. If you are in a vacation turn your happy thoughts on. Decide to let go of your worries, convince yourself you are out to have fun. When bothersome thoughts come, shove them away. Be mentally aware of its effects on your mood and attitude towards your vacation.
If you are not mindful of your mindset one wrong turn and you will be fuming mad. One wrong order from the hotel cafe and your day is ruined the whole day. Remind yourself the reason why you are taking the trip – to unwind, to relax, and to break free from the stale repetition of life.
And be sure to remind yourself things can easily go wrong. That is a reality for every vacation. Be mentally prepared to deal with situations with a cool head. Things will not always go your way. Even in those situations, smile and shrug it off!
Connect with people
Many vacationers are more keen on the attractions and the things that a destination has to offer, often forgetting to enjoy one of the best parts of taking a trip to somewhere you have not been before – knowing people in the locality. Building local friendship can easily cement your experience of the place. Striking casual conversations with locals can enhance your feelings towards the city. Learning a few local words can also boost your confidence in connecting with people everywhere you go. Knowing the local words for “thank you”, “please”, and “take care” can prop up your appeal to locals, encouraging them to engage you.
Keep a journal
This can be a digital journal if you are not the “writer” type. You can make an FB album with your photos on your destination city and then make sure to include captions that best describe the photo and the story behind it. This can help you record your trip and the whole experience. It is easy to get through the photos later on and remember all the fun you had, the people you knew, the places you visited, and the things you learned.
There you have it. Vacations are expected to be fun. Do not come short of that. Follow these pointers and have a blast. Vacations do not come often. Make sure to do it right the first time. And remember to take note of your bad experiences. That way on your next trip you can work on that and make sure your adventures will only get better.
Legazpi is one of Philippine’s most visited cities by local and foreign tourists today. The amazing beaches, the majestic Mt. Mayon, the many stone churches in and around Albay, and other scenic places to visit (not to mention the many festivals year round) makes Legazpi a tourist favorite.
An aerial view of the city. It is beautiful and captivating with the miles and miles of shoreline framed by the majestic Mayon in its rear. What a sight to behold!
But do you know that this city is much easier to visit than ever before? Both the increased number of flights from Manila and Cebu and the many bus lines that have Legazpi as one of its key destinations in South Luzon makes it very possible and affordable to enjoy the natural beauty of this city.
So some basic things:
Where to stay?
There are many hotels in town, many of which have just the perfect location for either a quick spin around popular local destinations or a long-term exploration of the Sorsogon-Albay-Catanduanes provinces.
One of the newest hotels in Legazpi – the Emerald Boutique Hotel. It might be small compared to some of its competitors but this hotel aims to go above and beyond their guest’s expectations. Book with them and experience the difference.
Legazpi sits right in the middle of the tourism frenzy so it does not matter what you are after, you will surely get it here. Aside from hotels there are also small bed and breakfast businesses and mid-sized Inns in the city. Hotel rooms can cost you P6000 and up if you are into luxury accommodations. But you can also have a decent place to sleep for as low as P500 a night, a must-have option for the more frugal traveler.
How about available tours?
There are many tour operators in town. If you are into guided tours there are several local companies that can cater to that need, some can even get you halfway to Mayon’s crater (if the ban is lifted anyway). Do you want more daring adventures? Perhaps an ATV ride all the way to the foot of Mayon, or zip-lining over the water at Embarcadero? That can be arranged too.
Riding the ATV to the foot of Mayon is loads of fun. You should try it!
How about navigating a hanging bridge on the side of Lignon Hill with Mayon as the background? You can even have a swim with butandings (whale shark) at Donsol. If you love the ocean then the vanishing island in Malilipot is the ideal kind of adventure for you. All these attractions and activities can be had easily with local tourism service operators.
How to get to Legazpi?
Talking about accessibility, Legazpi can be reached by air and land. Your options:
By Plane
There are many flights to Legazpi from Manila and vice versa. You will have no problem going in and out of the city by air. There is a 4:55 AM early flight from Manila to Legazpi. The same plane would fly passengers to Manila for its turnaround flight. There is also a daily flight from Cebu to Legazpi at 3:25PM. With Manila and Cebu welcoming flights from all over the world and the Philippines, flying to Legazpi is easy and thanks to budget airlines – affordable!
The flight schedules for Manila to Legazpi. This should make your flights plans easier!
By Bus
Travelling by Bus to Legazpi is more convenient than many people think. There are many bus companies that focus on the Bicol market, coming up with services that improve the travel experience of Bicolanos who frequent Manila. This consequently allows for the overall improvement of the by-land travel of tourists from Manila to Legazpi and vice-versa.
Cagsawa’s Royal Class Bus. This boasts very generous legroom with seats that recline almost completely allowing passengers to sleep through the Manila-Legazpi trip.
Two of the leading bus lines serving the Manila-Legazpi route are Cagsawa and Penafrancia. They have multiple trips all throughout the day. The most convenient of all are the night trips that depart from Manila at around 7:00 PM. These buses have a very spacious leg room with recliner seats and foot rests that will allow you to sleep thought the 12-hour trip to Legazpi. The same bus departs from Legazpi to Manila at around the same time. Bus fares differ from one bus lines to the next but with the quality of your trip at stake, go for the more expensive and convenient trip available.
When it seems like Emerald Boutique Hotel is done surprising people with its affordable rooms and beyond-expectations service, it is now announcing another exciting addition to its offering – opening the doors of its one of a kind events venue they call “The Garden”.
The Garden without its current transparent roof. This space was already so full of charm prior to its renovation. Its airy ambiance made this one of the most popular hangouts among hotel guests especially in the cool of the day.
The Garden was originally an outdoor space that allowed guests to enjoy the fresh air outside. However due to Bicol’s unpredictable weather, the management chose to install a roof over the outdoor space. However it was also important for the hotel to keep the outdoor charm of the area so the perfect compromise would be to install a transparent roof that will keep the water out but will let the natural light in. This also allows guests to have dinner under the stars, a pretty romantic place to enjoy a meal for two.
The Garden with its transparent Resin Roof Panels that allow natural light to flood the place without exposing guests to the elements. The Garden is fully air-conditioned.
The Garden can accommodate up to 60 people. It is fully air-conditioned and it comes with comfortable tables and chairs. But the deal clincher for this venue is its very reasonable rental costs.
The Garden has attractive food packages and there are also inclusions that will surely make your event not only memorable but cost-effective.
With Emerald Bistro Cafe providing for the food in the new events venue, you can be sure you are not only getting a nice place to have your party, you are also dining with amazingly good food prepared by Emerald’s in-house Chef.
The food is provided by the Emerald Bistro Café. This means amazingly delicious menu options prepared by no other than Emerald’s in-house Chef.
There are also two VIP videoke rooms you can use (separate fees apply). These can add another fun element to your event. These rooms have direct access to The Garden so your guests can conveniently enjoy this added amenity.
Emerald’s VIP Videoke rooms are second to none. Rent these out too and make your event more special!
Interested to book at The Garden? Call/text Emerald Boutique Hotel at these numbers: (052) 201 – 0402 or +63 917 322 5232.
Emerald Boutique Hotel finally launches its website after 3 months of construction by a Legazpi –based web development company Betterment Solutions with the support of online branding think tank Kim Iqs.
Emerald’s website is made to be simple and easy to navigate, a feature that will make it user friendly and at the same time browser friendly.
Emerald’s website is easy to navigate, a feature that was intentional right from the very start to help guests interact with the hotel with zero fuss. Due to the simplistic design of the website it is also light enough for web browsers to load. This makes the online front of the hotel more accessible– even for people with very limited Internet speeds.
The website also has an online booking function allowing guests to book any rooms they want with a click of the mouse. Reserving a room is also very easy – just select your check-in date, enter your personal details, choose your preferred room, let the hotel know your special requirements (if there are any), and click “submit now”. You will receive a confirmation of your reservation. All you have to do is settle the cost of your booking and you are all set!
Reserving a room at Emerald is now very easy. Just fill up the necessary fields, hot “submit now” and the room is yours as soon as you settle the fees. It’s as easy as 1-2-3.
The website also makes it easy for guests to contact the hotel. Do you need directions to the hotel? Click the CONTACT US tab and find your way through Google Map. Do you need to call the hotel? Get the contact numbers from the same tab and get in touch with the hotel’s front desk personnel.
You need directions? The Contact Us tab will help you find your way to the hotel with Google Maps. Other contact details are also included in this page.
Hotel features are also part of the website’s home page content making it easy for guests to know what to expect while staying in the hotel and what they can do while checked in. Do you want to get updated with the hotel? Are you interested with the hotel’s special offers? Subscribe to their quarterly newsletter (enter your email address, click subscribe).
Room details and descriptions are on an easy to interpret format with the use of icons and concise wording. You can easily choose between the rooms with a “book this room” button conveniently located on the right side.
With the hotel’s improving online presence and its affiliation to many hotel directories like TripAdvisor and Booking.com, the launching of its website would make its online marketing efforts more visible. Curious about Emerald Boutique Hotel’s new home in the World Wide Web? Go to www.emerladboutiquehotel.com and check it out for yourself.
Vacationing is a must-do for many. This is not just about having a good time but also about relieving stress, hitting a “refresh” button when life gets a little too toxic. One of the most important considerations in vacationing to a place you barely know is where you will be staying for the whole duration of your trip.
This is important because this is often where you will be investing a lot of money in as far as your vacation is concerned. It does not matter if you are travelling solo or with a buddy, securing a place to crash in town can be expensive. Your accommodation options can also easily make or break your trip. Many tend to lean more on savings than comfort so they end up regretting the whole experience while in town and that is a sad story to tell when you get back home.
The Deluxe Room at Emerald Boutique Hotel. Rooms start at P1500 at the Emerald. Talking about a budget hotel!
Comfort is the key
While it is natural to be as frugal as you can when looking for a hotel, this must not be at the expense of comfort, of a good night’s sleep. What use is a P300/day room when you are sweating like a pig through the night? Having an air-con or non-aircon room is not a primary consideration. The first thing that you should be mindful of is comfort. A fan-only room is not a problem as long as the room is well ventilated – meaning there are windows to keep the room cool and comfy. Consider these other comfort factors:
Is the room quiet enough at night? Location plays a big part to this one.
Is the mattress thick enough with what you are used to? Waking up sore and not rested is a very potent fun-time killer while on vacation.
Does it have it its own comfort room? Now this really depends on a person, but many would rather have a comfort room that they can use exclusively.
Location, location, location
If you are looking for a hotel the least place you want it to be located at is at a marketplace. Aside from the stench of Philippine public markets (you know what I am talking about), you also have to deal with a lot of noise, and yeah, rats and cockroaches. Be mindful of your accommodation costs but please be sure your hotel is located in a clean, peaceful area.
The marked location of Emerald Boutique hotel. Just a few steps from Peñaranda Park, the Provincial Capital of Albay, and Rizal Avenue. Perfect location that is.
The location of your hotel must also be accessible. The hotel must be near or just short ride from the airport. It must be located near major streets so that hailing a jeepney to go anywhere in town is easy. The last thing you want to do is to be too dependent on taxis or tricycles which can easily get very expensive as the days pass.
Know more about the daily rates
Looking at the cost of the room per night is not enough. Sometimes the hotel rooms you thought to be affordable would end up being more expensive. Check for the inclusions! Is there complimentary breakfast? What are the amenities in the hotel? Is there airport shuttle? What are the applicable discounts? Calling the hotel and asking the right questions should help you choose a hotel better.
Know more about bundled tours
Many hotels have bundled tours with their packaged rates. This can be a great option to up the fun factor of your vacation. This way you can best enjoy the city minus the hassle of planning for your itinerary which can be time consuming and can get plagued with problems. Are you too lazy to do research where to go and what to do? Go for bundled deals!
The soon-to-be-launched website of Emerald Boutique Hotel. Modern, easy to navigate, and clean. A very good representation of the key features of the hotel.
Know what people are saying about the hotel
Thanks to the Internet knowing about a hotel is easy. Look up the hotel in directories like Bookings.com or Trip Advisor and go to the “reviews” section. How is the hotel rated? What are the issues raised by previous guests? Remember there are no perfect hotels. Choose the one that has issues you can live with. A guest might rate a hotel poorly but only for the absence of a swimming pool. If you do not care too much about swimming, then don’t reject that place just yet.
The Emerald Boutique Hotel facade. 30 rooms – this might be a “small” hotel but every room is made to delight you.
Facebook Pages are also a good platform to look up a hotel’s reputation. Sometimes the appearance of their FB page tells a lot about how they manage their hotel as a whole. Brand conscious hotels or those that have a nice, well managed, professional looking FB pages and websites are often good signs that a hotel offers good accommodation and services.
There you have it. Mind these pointers, do your research, take your time, and book in advance. Remember, the quality of your vacation is often tied up to the quality of your accommodations.
One of the most known symbols of Bicolandia is the beautiful, symmetrical mound of rock and sand called Mt. Mayon. This volcano is indeed a sight to behold – breathtaking, majestic, and yes, dangerous. But you probably do not know these four things that make Mayon more interesting.
The Magayon Folklore
The name Mayon is from the bicol word “magayon” which translates to “beautiful” in Enlgish. Bicolanos know this by heart and. But the folklore behind it is not just talked about too much. “Magayon” is actually the name of a princess who was forced to wed a wicked lover named Pagtuga.
Princess Magayon, or the “beautiful princess” is shown in this artistic illustration. Her tragic story is the interesting narrative behind the beautiful Mayon Volcano. Illustration credits thevolcanoprincess.com
Pagtuga captured Princess Magayon’s father and her hand was the price for his freedom. However, even with an attempted rescue by the princess’ real lover Paganoron, the story still had a tragic ending when both lovers die in the violence that ensued. The place where Magayon was buried is where Mayon stands today, or so the story narrates.
Mayon’s Scary Side
Mt. Mayon is Philippines’ most active volcano. Even present-day Albayanos can attest to this fact. In a span of 400 years the volcano have had 50 eruptions. The first recorded eruption of Mayon was in 1616 as chronicled by the Dutch explorer Joris van Spilbergen.
Mayon Volcano erupting. Horror and fear replaces beauty when she shows her other side. Photo credits R. Madronero
Mayon is known to have huge and extended eruptions, one lasted for 7 full days (imagine that!). This eruption started on the 23d of June 1897. This uninterrupted eruption launched red hot rocks into the air and released a sea of lava that trapped and killed hundreds in the towns of San Roque, Libon, and Bacacay.
The Death Of 1,200
Mayon is no doubt beautiful but like everything in this world, nothing is perfect. Mayon’s weakness would be her fatal wrath expressed through huge eruptions. One of these catastrophic eruptions happened one fateful February day in 1814.
One of Mayon’s early eruptions. This photo captured its 1928 eruption. This volcano might be beautiful but it is also a killer. Photo credits Wikimedia
There were many villages in Albay and CamSur that were destroyed with raining ash, hot stones, and sand spewing from the crater. 12,000 people died in that day making it the deadliest eruption in Mt. Mayon history.
What’s In A Name – Cagsawa Ruins
Many do not know this but before the big Mayon eruption of 1814, Cagsawa was actually a town and Daraga (soon to be a city) a little village. With many people dead in Cagsawa after the huge eruption, people were forced to resettle in Daraga, changing the concentration of population in the area to this very day.
Tha Cagsawa Church framing Mayon Volcano (as always). This photo however shows the church as an intact structure, unlike the iconic photos widely distributed of these two. where the bell tower is the only surviving feature of the church. Photo credits Jenny Exconde
Cagsawa are from the two word “kag” which translates to “owner” and “sawa” which means “python”. Put the two words together and you have a place “owned by snakes”. Legend has it that Cagsawa Church was a haven of snakes and the name just stuck to be later recorded in the annals of history.
There you have it! The next time you visit and look up at Mayon’sperfect cone, be sure not only to be in awe of its ageless beauty but also be reminded of its interesting and violent history.
There is no denying that Albay is becoming one of the country’s most popular provinces for local and international tourism. With its new International Airport opening sometime in 2017 and the continuing promotion of the local government and the Department of Tourism, Albay is bound to receive more visitors in the coming years. But what is the Albay “craze” really all about? Read on and convince yourself that your next trip would be here.
That Mayon view
There is just something about Mayon that makes this heap of rock extra special. It is its perfect cone shape, its sheer size, and how it is laid upon the land that makes it unforgettable. Almost everywhere you are in Albay Mayon is there reminding you of its majesty and beauty.
Mt. Mayon in all its splendor. One good reason to come over to Albay. Photo credits PhilippineLifestyle.com
Even to locals Mayon never ceases to amaze them. They take pictures of it, post it online, and praise its hundred-and-one qualities. Only when you see it in person you will understand why many are dying to go to Albay.
When you are around town make sure to stay in a hotel that has a view of Mayon or at least near a place where you have a vantage point of the volcano. And yes, pray for clear skies.
There is somehting about Mayon that you never tire looking at it. Photo credits Tom Falcon
Amazing gastronomic offerings
Bicolandia is a foodie’s paradise and Albay inherits this quality to the brim. It is in this province where the famed Pinangat has its origins. Bicol express is also a staple food around here so even the small carenderias around town has this in their stalls.
The famed Pinangat. It’s flavorful, its local, and it is the perfect appetizer. Try it when in Albay! Credits to the owner of the photo.
It is also in Legazpi City, the capital city of the Province of Albay where the popular Sili Ice Cream came from thanks to the creativity of the 1st Colonial Grill, one of the most successful restaurants in the region.
The Sili Ice Cream of the 1st Colonial Grill. The original – a proudly Albayano creation. Credits to the owner of the photo.
The Albay food scene is very exciting to the delight of tourists. Ginataang Santol, Laing Pasta, Laing Pizza, and Volcano Fire Pizza are only some of the few gastronomic treats this place is known for. So if you feel like having new food experiences then this is the place to go.
The Volcanic Fire Pizza from the Lava Restobar. This is not just good food, it is also an interesting experience.
Picturesque churches
There are a lot of picturesque churches in Albay. Daraga Church and the Albay Church in Legazpi City have innate architectural beauty that will surely impress you. Then there is the Nuestra Señora De Salvacion Shrine in Tiwi, St. John the Baptist Church in Camalig, and the St. Peter and Paul Church in Polangui.
The Albay Church right at the center of Old Albay District. There are many hotels near this picturesque church, one of which is the Emerald Boutique Hotel. Credits to the owner of the photo.
All these churches you can visit in just a few hours as these places are not too far from each other. If you have a private car to drive around the better it is for your church hopping adventure. Just don’t forget to bring your camera with you.
The colorful Polangui Church in Albay. The contrast and the earth colors makes this church picture perfect. Credits to the owner of the photo.
Interesting people and culture
Albayanos are a friendly bunch and are really warm in accepting visitors to their province. Everybody here can communicate in Tagalog (Filipino) so it is not that hard to go around the city even if you do not speak the local dialect.
Albayanos are also very accommodating and hospitable so it is not unusual to be offered a seat in their dining table or have an engaging conversation with them.
Perhaps one of the most interesting things of the culture in this area is the myriad of derivatives of the Bicol language. Legaspeños’ Bicol would sound different from the dialect of people from Daraga even if the two territories are just a few kilometers away from each other. The language would have another “version” in Camalig or in the other side of Albay, like in Tabaco or Tiwi.
The Legazpi Boulevard. A great place to meet and talk with some locals. Come here early in the morning or late in the afternoon. Photo by Glen Thaddeus Isip
Nevertheless, the cultural mix and roots of Albayanos are both complex and interesting so learn as much as you can and strike some conversations with locals. You will be glad you did.
Beautiful beaches
If you are a beach person then Albay is a prime destination for you. It has a collection of white and black sand beaches, some are in uninhabited islands while others have resorts on them. This gives you a lot of options as far as beach fun is concerned.
The beautiful Pinamuntugan Beach. Who would not like to come here? Credits to the owner of the photo.
The good thing about these beaches is that they are not that far from urban centers like Sto. Domingo, Tabaco, and Legazpi City. You can stay for example in Legazpi and get to the nearest beach in 30 minutes.
Muladbucad Beach in Manito, Albay. The water is simply inviting! Credits to the owner of the photo.
If you want to have a more exclusive experience in a resort setting then you can check out Misibis Bay Resort and Casino in Bacacay. 45 minutes from your Legazpi Hotel and you are there sipping fresh lemonade or having fun with water sports.
Grandiose festivals
Albay is known for two grand festivals, some are month-long celebrations that put the city in a very festive mood. May 1-31 is the time for the Magayon Festival. In the heart of the city you can find stalls that sell local food, varied services like tattoo and body piercings, booths that sell popular Bicol pasalubong items and memorabilia plus there is a stage for nightly band entertainment.
The cultural parade for the Magayon Festival is one of the most popular activities in this month long celebration. Credits to the owner of the photo.
During the second week of October is the Ibalong Festival. This one is just a week-long celebration but its scale is as grand as the Magayon Festival. You can expect cultural parades and coordinated activities around the city. Prepare yourself for the throngs of crowd everywhere you go.
The Ibalong Parade is colorful and grand. This is one good reason to come and visit Albay. Credits to the owner of the photo.
Other festivals happening around the province is the Tabak Festival in Tabaco City celebrated on the last week of March. You also have the Sarung Banggi Festival in Sto. Domingo happening every May 18-25. The Coron Festival happens every year in Tiwi during the 3rd week of August.
The Magayon Festival is seen to be one of the grandest festivities in the country. Schedule your visit in Albay during Magayon. Just book your flight and accommodation early. Credits to the owner of the photo.
Other Festivals include Kadagatan Festival of Bacacay, Pagsuwak Festival of Guinobatan, Salingoy Festival of Bacacay, and Tinagbuan Festival of Ligao City just to name a few.
Book your flight in advance and reserve a room weeks before your trip during these festivities.
Legazpi City at night. Visit Albay and sleep with this view. Credits to the owner of the photo.
Is Albay worth visiting? You bet! So do your planning, research on what Albay has for you (this list is not at all complete as far the province’s offerings are concerned) and call up some friends to join you on your trip. Vacations are way better when you share it with someone.
So you are planning to visit Legaspi City. But then you ask yourself, where to go, what to do? Sure you can Google your way around town, eat here and there, do what other tourists do. But an authentic vacation can only be achieved when you experience a city like a local, like a true blood Legaspeño. How to do it? Even if you only have one day you can experience Legaspi fully with this itinerary.
Touchdown at Legaspi Airport. Mt. Mayon is peeking through the clouds. Get your cameras ready! Credits to the photo owner.
Let’s say you had the second flight in from Manila. You arrive in LGP at exactly 11:30am.
11:30 AM – Hotel check -in
By now if you are lucky enough to have clear skies you must be raping that camera button at the direction of Mt. Mayon. She is a sight to behold and you can already witness her majesty the moment you get out from your plane.
Check in to your hotel quickly and get your Legaspi adventure started! Choose a hotel that is near to everywhere for ease and convenience while in the city.
Locate your hotel’s shuttle service, leave your bags in your room, and get your Legaspi adventure started, but first…
12:00 Noon – Grab some lunch!
Fortunately food in Bicol is good, so good that you would not have a hard time finding a good place to eat while in the city. We recommend 1st Colonial Grill, a local restaurant that offers Bicol delicacies. What to eat here? Bicol Express is a must and make sure to compliment that with their Tinapa Rice. Laing (or Pinangat) is also a must-have in your table.
1st Colonial Grill’s pinangat rice, a must-try while in the city. Credits to the owner of this photo.
Done with your meal? Top it off with a dessert that made 1st Colonial Grill famous all over the country – the Sili Ice Cream!
The Sili Ice Cream made popular by 1st Colonial Grill. Credits to the owner of this photo.
1:00 PM – To Cagsawa Ruins!
Cagswa Ruins is a World Heritage Site so NEVER ever leave Legaspi City without visiting this place. This is where one of the most common photos of Mayon is taken (that church bell tower-framed photo of Mayon).
The Cagsawa Ruins. Nothing beats this iconic view. Credits to the owner of this photo.
There is plenty to do in Cagsawa Ruins. There is of course the picture taking, shopping around Cagsawa’s souvenir stalls, and just enjoying the awesomeness of the perfect cone volcano in its full splendor. It is important to note that the view here of Mayon is much nicer because it can be framed from its very base up to its crater.
3:00 PM – Coffee Break
The coffee culture is alive and well in Legaspi, thanks to the many coffee shops around town. One café is worth your visit – the 528 Ilawod. This coffee hangout is not only popular for its good coffee but also for its artsy, intimate ambiance.
The paintings of the wall makes 528 Ilawod very unique. Coffee here is very good too! Credits to owner of this photo.
The café also showcase the work of local artist Ann Cadiz in its wall murals. The painting on the walls adds personality to this place and one more reason why you should come and visit it.
This coffee place has a very artsy feel. You should try the food here too. credits to the owner of this photo.
Located in Daraga, this café is undeniably Legaspeño so do not miss it while you are in the city. By the way one corner of the café has a nice view of Mayon.
4:00 PM – Daraga Church
Daraga Church is a very scenic place, a must visit for all the guests of the city. It has an access road near the Daraga public market so getting to this place is easy. Perched on a hill, it has a sweeping view of Mayon. But aside from the nice view, another good reason to come here is the church, a Spanish-era structure that should make a nice background for a selfie.
The Daraga Church with its impressive architecture and its Mayon viewing deck on the far right. This 2 in 1 view combination makes this place a must-visit in Legaspi.
There is a viewing deck in the area so you can enjoy the Mayon view while enjoying the light breeze in this hilltop location. Pray for clear skies because selfies here are awesome with the famous volcano framing your shot.
5:00 PM – Lignon Hill
As the sun is going down you can head out to Lignon Hill, an unmistakable landmark that goes with the Mayon view from many vantage points around the city. This hill is also where PHIVOLCS have its observation outpost for Mayon, a testament of the encompassing view of Lignon over the volcano.
The road going up to the top of Lignon Hill. This is a tiring hike but the view on the top is worth it! Credits to the owner of this photo.
To better enjoy this next stop, get your walking shoes ready and hike up the hill, a whole kilometer of subtle climbing. What’s nice about this uphill walk is the view that you can have of Legaspi City as you progress to the top.
At the top of Lignon Hill. The park has a sweeping view of Mayon, Legaspi City, and the Bay of Legaspi. Credits to the owner of this photo.
The best part of the climb is when you reach the park on top of Lignon. You can bask in the view of Mayon and the whole city, even giving you a nice sweeping glimpse of the bay of Legaspi. Sunsets here are nice. Many locals come here just as the sun dips in the horizon.
The hanging bridge on Lignon. There is also a zip line here. Credits to the owner of this photo.
Aside from the nice view you can also enjoy the hanging bridge and the zip line that crosses thru the hill from one side to the other. Another unique experience while in the city.
7:00 PM – Dinner at Small Talk Café
When you are in Legaspi the best place to have some good, Bicol food is at Small Talk Café. This small restaurant in the middle of Old Albay District is a foodie’s paradise. The serving here is filling and the flavor is just top class.
Small Talk Cafe at the Old Albay District. This place is very well known for local delicacies. Credits to the owner of this photo.
What makes this café (it’s a restaurant actually) unique is its offerings that scream Bicol like the Pinangat Pizza and the Laing Pasta. Pasta here is generally good. Do come early for dinner especially in the weekends because this place is often packed with people.
Some of the celebrated food at Small Talk Cafe. Looks good? Believe us, those taste better. Credits to the owner of the photo.
8:00 PM – Night out
There is no denying that this city sleeps earlier than many urban centers in the country but the good news is, if you know where to go, well, problem solved!
You can choose to go to Lava Resto Bar inside the newly opened Ayala Malls Legaspi. This bar has a nice crowd, it has live music, and there is a wide selection of drinks. While you’re here try out the Lava Pizza while enjoying the young, urban vibe of the place.
The Lava Pizza available only at the Lava Restobar. This is a newly opened hangout but its growing popularity is testament that something good is going on in here. Credits to the owner of the photo.
If you want a more unique experience you can go to Retazo Diner along Rizal St. Acoustic music is very good here and the ambiance is quite nice and more intimate. Food is good and there is a decent selection of beers. No hard alcoholic drinks though but there’s wine and it is chilled just for you.
Retazo Diner is a nice place for music and food lovers. Photo credits Zalrian Sayat.
If you are more of a party animal and you love dancing the night away with live bands or DJs then Bar 101 is the place for you. It is located inside Bichara Complex in the very heart of the city.
Bar 101 is Legaspi’s longest running bar. This is paradise to those who love loud music, lots of booze, and loads of fun. Credits to the owner of the photo.
We do hope you call it a night early because the first stop for the next day is best enjoyed when you go there before the sun is up.
The following day:
5:00 AM – Legaspi Boulevard
If you love to run in the morning then you will love Legaspi Boulevard – a 1.5 kilometer stretch of beach side development that is perfect for an early morning run. This place is teeming with people especially in the weekends. This is a favorite place of locals to unwind, enjoy the sunrise, and yes, enjoy some coconut water (coconut vendors are all over the place) with the early morning sea breeze.
Legaspi Boulevard is simply a beautiful place to unwind, enjoy the view and breath in some fresh air. Credits to the owner of the photo.
If you just want to walk around then that’s great too. This is also a great place to meet and talk with some locals. There are also some great places for a selfie including the “Legaspi” standee with a nice Mayon view in the background. You need to have a photo taken here!
The iconic picture perfect spot in the Boulevard. Credits to the owner of the photo.
Want to eat? There is an interesting local vendor that goes by the name of “Eat n’ Run”. His sandwiches are good and his personal branding is excellent with that charming bike trailer of his. This guy also serves native coffee, so yeah, enjoy! He frequents Legaspi Boulevard early morning.
Eat N’ Run is a local food cart business that has an interesting personal brand. It sells sandwiches and native coffee. Photo by Kim Iqs.
7:00 AM – Breakfast at Bigg’s Diner
Bigg’s Diner Tower Burger is popular here. Bigg’s Diner is a locally grown brand that offers good food all over Bicolandia. Credits to the owner of the photo.
You cannot leave Bicol without eating at Bigg’s Diner, one of Bicol’s most popular brands. This place is not really about fast food, but good food. They have amazing burgers and breakfast specials (the American Slam is not to be missed!). They have charming stores too.
This is one of Bigg’s Diner store interior. Bigg’s is known for its charming, vintage-feel outlets. Credits to the owner of the photo.
8:00 AM – Sumlang Lake
If your flight back to Manila is still in the afternoon then you can still visit one more tourist spot in Albay – the Sumlang Lake in Camalig. Camalig is just a 30-minute drive from Legaspi City so this would be a convenient quick stop for you.
Sumlang Lake and its one of a kind lakeside view of Mayon. This place is gaining the attention of local and international tourists so might as well visit it while in the city. Credits to the owner of the photo.
What to do in Sumlang Lake? You can ride the bamboo raft across the lake with Mayon Volcano in the background. It is picture perfect so never forget to bring your camera with you. If you want clear, superb images, do not just rely on your smart phone camera.
Kayaking is a newly added water sport activity at Sumlang Lake. Rowing with that view should be nice. Credits to the owner of the photo.
You can also do some kayaking in the lake or just sit around in the lakeside’s many unique seating, all have a majestic view of Mayon.
That picture perfect bamboo raft is a must-ride while in Sumlang Lake. Imagine the photos you can have while in that. Just make sure to get your angle right so that Mayon won’t lose its place in your selfie. Credits to the owner of the photo.
It is probably time to get ready for your flight home after the Sumlang Lake adventure.
Remember, a trip is best enjoyed when you throw yourself to the local lifestyle. Get out there, talk to people, learn about the culture, love the food, and do not be afraid to try new things.
